The Explosive Rise of Merlin: The App That Changed Birdwatching Forever

-

What is the Merlin Bird ID App?

Merlin Bird ID is a free application developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that helps anyone identify birds using three main methods:

  • Sound ID — real-time recognition of bird songs and calls (the most popular feature)
  • Photo ID — automatic identification from photos
  • Step-by-step quiz — classic mode for complete beginners

Most importantly — after downloading regional bird packs, the app works almost completely offline.



Why Sound ID Became a Cultural Phenomenon

The real revolution started in 2021 with the launch of the advanced Sound ID feature based on deep neural networks.

As of late 2025 Merlin confidently recognizes songs and calls of more than 1,300 bird species across the planet — and the number is growing every six months.

The moment millions of people discovered they could simply raise their phone at dawn and instantly see the names of birds singing in the trees — something fundamentally changed in our relationship with nature.

Impressive Numbers – December 2025

  • 33+ million total downloads worldwide
  • 16 million active users during the last year
  • 1.36 billion bird vocalizations recorded via Sound ID in a single year
  • 50–88% annual growth of new users in many countries
  • During peak migration periods some regions record millions of identifications per day

Why People Love Merlin So Much

  1. Zero knowledge required — the app teaches you while you use it
  2. Instant magical “aha!” moment when hidden birds get names
  3. Scientifically proven stress reduction from bird sounds
  4. Gamification — building your personal life list becomes addictive
  5. 100% free + no ads + multilingual + offline

From Skeptics to Passionate Birders: Real Stories

“I thought every brown bird was just a sparrow. Now I know I have willow warblers, chiffchaffs and even Cetti’s warblers in my tiny garden!”

— Angela, Manchester, UK

“Every morning coffee on the balcony with Merlin became my meditation.”

— Daniel, California

Bigger Than Entertainment – Real Science

Every saved identification (with your permission) becomes valuable scientific data in the global eBird database.

Thanks to millions of Merlin users, scientists get unprecedented information about:

  • Bird migration timing changes
  • Population trends in remote areas
  • Effects of climate change
  • Urban bird communities

Ready to Start Your Own Bird Discovery Journey?

Step 1: Download Merlin → https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org
Step 2: Download your region (or several)
Step 3: Go outside at dawn with headphones or just listen…

Main Sources & Recommended Reading

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology official Merlin statistics 2025
  • eBird Year in Review 2025
  • The Guardian — “The rise of the Merlin birdsong identifying app” (2025)
  • All About Birds — Merlin updates archive

© NaturalWorld50.blogspot.com • Evergreen article – last major update December 2025

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

10 Amazing Space Events of the Past Year

-
Image
The cosmos never ceases to amaze us with its mysteries and wonders. From groundbreaking discoveries to fascinating cosmic phenomena, here are ten remarkable space events that took place in the past year, giving us a glimpse into the ever-expanding universe. 1. Unprecedented Exoplanet Discovery Astronomers have discovered Earth-like planets in distant star systems, raising hopes for potential life beyond our planet. 2. NASA’s Artemis I Mission Success Human return to lunar exploration took a giant leap forward with the successful completion of Artemis I, paving the way for future manned missions. 3. First Images from the James Webb Telescope Stunning deep-space visuals captured by the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed never-before-seen details of galaxies, nebulae, and exoplanets. 4. Solar Storms and Auroras Intense solar activity led to spectacular auroras that could be seen at latitudes further south than usual, captivating skywatchers around the world. 5. The rise of space tou...
READ MORE

The Hidden Threat Beneath the Waves: Exploring the Environmental Impact of Shipwrecks

-
Image
Shipwrecks scattered across the ocean floor may seem like a relic of the past, but today they pose a constant and growing environmental threat. With more than 8,500 shipwrecks lying underwater around the world, these forgotten vessels carry both historical value and environmental hazards. That’s why understanding and addressing this issue is critical to protecting marine ecosystems. The Scale of the Problem Historical records, such as those held by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation in London, and research by experts like Paul Hershink, shed light on the staggering number of shipwrecks. These vessels include warships, cargo ships, and oil tankers, many of which still contain hazardous materials such as fuel oil and chemicals that can pollute the marine environment for decades. The Cost of Inaction The environmental and financial costs are alarming: Dollars: Removing pollutants and salvaging materials from shipwrecks costs millions per ship. For example, cleaning up World War II wrecks can...
READ MORE

The Ethical Dilemma of Mirror Neurons: Why Scientists Are Calling for Their Regulation

-
Image
Mirror neurons are one of the most groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience. These specialized brain cells fire both when a person performs an action and when they observe another doing the same. While they hold enormous potential for understanding empathy, learning, and even artificial intelligence, some scientists argue that manipulating them poses significant ethical and biological risks. But why should these neurons, essential to human connection, be considered too dangerous for experimentation? What are mirror neurons ? First discovered in monkeys and later confirmed in humans, mirror neurons allow us to “mirror” the actions and emotions of others. They are central to processes such as imitation, emotional contagion, and understanding the intentions of others—cornerstones of human development. However, their potential misuse, such as creating hyperempathic systems or manipulating behavior through advanced technologies, has raised concerns in the scientific community. Why are sci...
READ MORE